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Laws

Laws you should know

Infractions are punishable by fines only (not physical arrest), whereas misdemeanors are punishable by physical arrest, up to a year in jail and fines. Therefore, if you cooperate with the police, you will not be arrested for loud noise or an MIP. If you provide false information, interfere with an officer, act violent or threatening, etc., then you will be arrested and probably charged with both offenses. Remember: Any time you do something illegal off campus, you can face university conduct sanctions as well!

Unlawful amplified sound, misdemeanor: Playing a sound device (such as a stereo, TV, or radio) which is audible for more than 50 feet from the source of the sound. Applicable 24 hours a day.

Special Response Notice: “First police response to a violation of the Corvallis Municipal Code may include a written notice that the activity must cease. Second police response within 30 days arising out of the activity will result in citation, physical arrest, and/or civil fines. A Special Response Fee will be charged to each person deemed liable. Separate fees will be charged for each subsequent police response. The fee is defined as the total cost incurred by the City in connection with such response, including but not limited to, police officers, equipment, dispatch and supervisor time. Citations can be given with SRNs on first contact!” THE FEE CAN BE OVER $1,000!

ALCOHOL

Consumption or possession of an open container of alcohol in a public place, misdemeanor: No open containers of alcohol allowed on any street, sidewalk, alley, public grounds, building, or place open and available to the general public, or while in a motor vehicle on premises open to the public.

Hosting a party for minors, misdemeanor

Providing alcohol for minors, misdemeanor

Minor in possession of alcohol (MIP), infraction: No person under the age of 21 years shall possess, either in a container or in the person’s system, any alcoholic liquor on private or public property.

Driving under the influence of an intoxicant (DUII), misdemeanoror felony: Driving a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) content of .08 or higher, or driving while under the influence of a controlled substance or an inhalant. *Note that refusing to take a breath or blood test is an additional offense with a fine of $650 and the potential for suspension of driving privileges.As the party giver, you are also liable for someone who leaves your house and drives under the influence!

OTHER

Smoking, infraction: Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places and within 10 feet of the entrance of all enclosed public places. It is also prohibited in any line of people waiting for service (inside and outside) and within 10 feet of any line. Smoking is also prohibited on all Oregon State University property!

False information to officer, misdemeanor: No person shall knowingly use or give a false or fictitious name, address, or date of birth to any police officer for the purpose of the officer issuing or serving the person a citation.

Violent Conduct, misdemeanor: No person shall intentionally cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm or recklessly create a risk thereof by engaging in fighting or behaving in a violent, tumultuous, or threatening manner.

Resisting arrest, misdemeanor: Intentionally resisting a police officer when the officer is making an arrest. Third parties can be arrested for this crime if they resist another person’s arrest.

Interfering with officer, misdemeanor. Preventing or attempting to prevent a police officer from performing his/her duties with regards to another person OR refusing to obey a lawful order given by a police officer.

Human Waste, infraction. No person shall deposit any human waste on property open to or visible by the public.